Normal Community High School has defeated U-High at the intercity competition for the last eight years, winning intercity for the last four. However, things changed for the Pioneers with the 2025 girls program. This year they won 43-19 on November 26, maintaining a lead from the start. Despite not winning the tournament, they came out as a stronger team than they had previously been.
The team went in with a mindset to play their game and win. Freshman Haylie Hoffman explained that the team focused on giving their best effort to do better than their previous game.“[We were] trying to bounce back from the Bloomington game, where we lost by 3 points, a super tough loss,” she said.
Even though they were ahead by 15 points halfway through the game, they still pushed themselves to play their best, not letting down at any point in the game. Senior Tatum Aeilts felt good about their start. “We had to keep working hard, so we didn’t lose the lead,“ she stated.
Sophomore Adeline Chimoch believes in the team’s positivity and confidence that they deserve to be there. “Nothing is given to us, but the work we had put in shows that we are not a team to be messed with. [We need to] play like we know how to play and continue to adjust, no matter if it doesn’t always go right,” she remarked.
Laura Sellers, head coach for the women’s basketball team, highlighted the girls’ hard work and determination that made Wednesday night’s game win possible. “Effort is always high with this group. I don’t ever really have to complain about us giving 100% effort,” she said.
In addition, she emphasised that their success comes from a team effort. “I feel like for us to be successful, we have to play really, really well together,” Sellers said. “We are going to have some statistical leaders, but when we play together, that’s what stands out to me.”
Breaking an eight-year streak is just the beginning for U-High. The pioneers proved they’re more than ready to compete against any team. The players know that every game will require the same effort, perseverance, and teamwork that led to this win on Wednesday night. As the team celebrates, they also look further into the season, ready to carry their momentum into upcoming games and continue proving they are not to be underestimated.
